On Independence Day, we’ve started our own tea party

Camellia sinensis (a.k.a. tea).Let me say right up front that our party has nothing to do with today’s political tea-party kerfuffle.We just want to enjoy a nice cup of tea…that we happen to have grown ourselves. And today, tea’s most historic day, seems ripe for our launching of, yes! Team Tea.Locavores tend to really, really miss certain foodstuffs that don’t grow within whatever distance they’ve designated as “local” for them. For North Americans, it’s usually tropical crops like chocolate, spices, and their favorite caffeinated substance–either tea or coffee.After doing a bit of preliminary research, we think we can grow tea here in Menlo Park. Camellia sinensis is happy enough at sea level and likes warm, sunny climates. We may have to work hard at keeping it moist, though. I foresee a mister in our future, or maybe a little greenhouse.If any of you readers have tea-raising tips–or comments–for us, please let us know...